AULANDER, NC – Roberta Maxham Bland, lovingly known as Robin, peacefully passed away on November 20, 2023, at the age of 59. She was born on September 5, 1964, in Charleston, South Carolina.
Robin led a fulfilling life and made a significant impact on those around her. After receiving an associate degree from Chowan College, she embarked on a successful career in marketing with ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital. Her dedication and passion for her work were evident to all who knew her.
Outside of her professional life, Robin had a variety of interests that brought her joy and fulfillment. She possessed a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed sharing her talent with others. Traveling was another great passion of hers, as she relished exploring new places and immersing herself in different cultures. Robin was a true lady of God, loving her Lord deeply and always had faith in His plan for her. She was always concerned for others, lending a helping hand in any way that she could. However, nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her family, especially her cherished twin grandchildren to whom she was affectionately called, “Oma”. Robin also shared a deep affection for her beloved cats, who brought her comfort and companionship throughout the years. During this time of mourning, let us remember Robin’s vibrant spirit, her warm smile, and the love she shared with those fortunate enough to know her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Robin will be profoundly missed by her surviving family and friends, including her son Christian Bland (Olivia) of Ahoskie, NC; her twin grandchildren, Owen and Ellie Bland; four aunts, Kathy Maxham of St. John, Roselyn Phelps of Gloucester, VA, Marjorie Clark of Kernersville, and Pat Rawls of Auburn, Maine; and her best friends Cathy, Debbie, Connie, Cheryl, and Rachel. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert Alvin “Bobby” Maxham and Colleen Rawls Maxham.
Services to honor and celebrate Robin’s life will be held at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel in Ahoskie, NC. Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 26, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The funeral service will be held on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 11:00 am at the same location. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in Aulander Cemetery in Aulander, NC.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is entrusted with the arrangements for the Bland family, and online condolences can be shared by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
Robin was a precious work friend who I had the pleasure to serve with for many years in Volunteer Services. I always enjoyed talking and working with Robin. She had a heart of gold and it showed in her words and actions. She will truly be missed. Continued thoughts of sympathy and extended prayers to her family and friends during this time.
Love, Jamie Tice, Manager Volunteer Services & Pastoral Care @ ECU Health Beaufort Hospital
Christian and Family, Cathy and other dearest friends,
Our family is truly saddened by your loss. This is such a testimony to Robins earthly life. She was a beautiful SOUL and Spirit. May Robin’s many Dear Ones rely on THE PEACE AND COMFORT only our LORD can provide. Robin is an angel, in the arms of angels angels now.
Much LOVE and Many Prayers,
Teresa “Reesie” and Dalles
Turner, and Ann Wiggins
I have such wonderful warm memories of Robin. We met in the late 1980’s when I began working at the Index. Over the years I moved on over to The News-Herald where Robin was still a dedicated employee. She an I both enjoyed singing. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to sing our own rendition of a Reba & Linda Davis tune one year at Ahoskie’s Chicken Fest. It was wonderful to share our faith in the Lord. And just over a year ago we began sharing precious stories of love for our grandchildren. It’s with my heartfelt condolences and love that I tell you how sorry I am Christian. You and your twins were what brought her joy. ❤️
Robin was a true friend, dedicated mother, talented graphic artist, beautiful vocalist and the best co-worker I ever had. She was an inspiration to us all. I first met Robin in the 80’s when she worked at the News Herald in graphics and did our newsletter for mental health. Then we worked together in marketing and community services for over 11 years at the old RCH, now ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. She was a master graphic artist. She could take a small idea and turn it into a fabulous publication–brochure, poster, newsletter. logo, or a design for our police cars! There was nothing she could not do. She inspired me daily both ‘spiritually’ with her belief in God and as the most loving dedicated parent to Christian. We came up with the most wonderful programs and events at RCH and it was primarily because of her great gifts. We were both adopted so we always said we were sisters from another mother. I thought of her more as a friend and sister than a co-worker. I can’t imagine a world now without Robin there and I will miss her every day.
Robin was such a sweet and caring person. She was my TA one year at Ahoskie Elementary!
So sorry to hear of Robin’s passing. She loved Chris with each heart beat she had then came his wife and then twin grandbabies, Ole how very proud Robin was beaming, She certaintly loved her family. I can hear Connie. and Robin singing togather at Church how beautiful they sang . Now I know shes in the Choir with her Angel voice. Walk slowly Robin for soon we will follow you. Fly high Robin .Till we meet again .Gone to soon.
Sending our deepest condolences and prayers to the family, from Ahoskie Adult Medicine Clinic
Robin was a heart person. She had a heart for people and the work she did and every song she sang. She spoke of her son, Chris, with every ounce of love a mother would. She was delighted with her daughter-in-law and the twins were such a added blessing and joy to her life. There is a void in so many arenas with her passing; however, she has gone from labor to reward. To her family, you are blessed to have had here as apart of your family. To her friends, I know you are better just from knowing her. Stay strong and committed to being the Best You you can be…… Rest well dear Robin, Until We Meet Again.
Robin was one of the sweetest people you would ever meet. We always chatted about our love of cats. Her son and those precious grandbabies were her world. I am saddened by her passing much too soon.
My heart is broken for Robin’s family because I know how much she loved them. Christian, you were her heart. Then those sweet babies came along. She was so proud of your little family and loved you all deeply. Robin was such a sweet person but most of all she loved the Lord. We know if we trust the Lord we will see her again one day! Rest easy my friend.